1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Sometimes in cold weather the latch doesn't retract properly, or perhaps it got "latched" for some reason or other. Not too uncommon, and not specific to Saabs.
Give this a try:
Take a flat screwdriver, or other instrument with which you can pry a bit with, and look at the latch on the bottom of the liftgate. You should see a metal plate, likely about 6-7mm thick (I haven't gone to look at mine, but it should look something like that) That's the latch plate, and if its blocking the opening for the striker to go into (that's the bar on the other half of the door) then that means its already latched. What should happen is the striker goes into that opening, catches the latch and basically pulls the latch plate behind it latching the door. If the latch plate is already in the latched position, then obviously this won't work anymore. So... the latch plate pivots on an axis somewhere inside the latch, push it around a bit with your finger or screwdriver and figure out which way its supposed to retract (it will rotate to one side or the other, the axis being perpendicular to the broad side of the latch plate.) Once you've done that, then lift the handle (the one you'd use to open the liftgate) and hold it in the open position. While you're doing that, use your finger or your screwdriver to push the latch plate back into the "open" position. Its important you hold the handle in the open position while you're doing this, because that's what is allowing the latch to rotate from the latched positon.
And now you should be G2G
The Wd40 might have been a bad idea. WD40 is not for lubricating!!! It'll just dissolve any grease that was in there. If the latch keeps doing this, then just take it into the dealer and tell them the deal to have it replaced under warranty. Don't tell them about the WD40 and if they say it looks like somebody sprayed WD40 in there then just play dumb.
Good luck, let us know how it works out!
bRAD
posted by 64.231...
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